Nevada is once again taking the lead among U.S. states in welcoming the merging of technology and the gambling industry. The state's Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing for May 11 to discuss a General Assembly bill that would allow wireless gambling in licensed casinos in the state.
If the bill passes in the Senate, Nevada would become the first state to give legislative approval to a system that enables licensed operators to offer wireless gaming products in public areas of their facilities.
The legislature passed a bill in 2001 that created a scheme for regulating Internet gambling. The law included language, however, mandating that the system couldn't be established until it is approved by the federal government. The Department of Justice never signed off on the concept and even informed the state that proceeding with Internet gambling would violate the Federal Wire Act.
The latest bill, AB 471, focuses on the use of mobile gaming devices that could be used while visitors are on the casino premises. It would only allow the activity in public areas of establishments holding non-restricted gaming license and operating at least 100 slot machines, along with at least one other game.
The bill passed in the General Assembly on 41-0 vote, and if it becomes law, casino visitors would be able to "check out" PDAs or similarly connected devices enabling them to gambling while roaming the casino properties.
The activity would be limited to the use of a device that "allows a person to transmit information to a computer to assist in the placing of a bet or wager and corresponding information related to the display of the game, game outcomes or other similar information."
Other clauses of the bill would increase the number of members on the Off-Track Pari-Mutuel Wagering Committee and establish a penalty for any operator that violates the regulations for mobile gaming.
AB 471 had no main sponsor in the General Assembly. The Judiciary Committee is listed as the bill's sponsor, and the chair of the committee, Bernie Anderson, said the bill was created after gambling operators expressed a desire to see mobile systems in use in their Nevada facilities.
One company that could benefit if the concept is approved is Louisiana-based Diamond I, Inc., which has developed a wireless casino platform deployable at land-based casinos. The system, "WiFiCasino GS," creates a secure wireless PDA-based gambling and media network designed for Vegas-style casinos and resorts. It enables patrons to gamble anywhere on casino premises (as permitted), including poolside, in their rooms, restaurants and at the bar.
Users can also access the Internet, obtain resort information, order drinks, access concierge services and take advantage of any other service the resort wants to offer guests via WiFi.
Diamond I's president, David Loflin, said he's confident the bill be will passed in the full Senate and signed into law during the current legislative session.
"We are extremely excited that the Assembly unanimously approved this new bill," Loflin said. "It will really open the door for us to get our WifiCasino GS licensed in Nevada, and we intend to continue our lobbying efforts until the bill is signed into law."
If the bill is approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee at its May 11 meeting, it could be sent to the full Senate within days for a full vote. The law would go into affect immediately, but the Nevada Gaming Commission would then be tasked with drafting the exact regulations for mobile gaming and with approving specific platforms like that of Diamond I.
Click here to view the full text of AB 471.
Discover the world’s most complete guide to iGaming products and services. 